Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a Gram-negative bacterium which can infect not only birds but humans and other animals as well. The bacterium is very cold-tolerant and found throughout the environment and wild animals. It has a number of virulence factors which contribute to the pathogenicity of the organism---such as temperature and exposure to an acidic environment.

Y. pseudotuberculosis is most often transmitted through contamination of the bird's food or water source. The incubation period of Y. pseudotuberculosis is 5-10 days.

Blood samples can be taken and tested to confirm the presence of Y. pseudotuberculosis, but a fecal sample is the preferred method of diagnostic testing. Polymerase Chain Reaction assay can then be used to identify the bacteria and then can further serotype the organism.